Academic Resources
If your son or daughter has academic difficulty, the following resources are available:
The professor is in the best position to provide assistance or to make a helpful referral. Always encourage your student to speak directly with the professor if there is a problem in a class. In some cases, the professor may meet with your student and in other cases students may be referred to other resources.
The Reading/Writing Center provides professional assistance in reading comprehension, writing skills, study skills, time management, test-taking, stress reduction and special needs. Students may take a one-credit class through the Reading/Writing Center or receive specialized assistance. Students may walk in or call for an appointment (x7372).
The Center for Vocational Reflection works to help all students recognize a calling, purpose or path in life. This includes helping students discover how their skills, gifts, talents and passions might be used to meet the world's great needs and challenges. The Center offers Servant Leader Internships for vocational reflection both during the school year and the summer. Students may contact the Center for an appointment (x8612). It is located in Sorensen Hall within the Center for Community Engagement.
The Career Center, also located in Sorensen Hall within the Center of Community Engagement, can help when students struggle because they are unsure of a major. Although students do not need to declare a major until their sophomore year, if they lack motivation in classes due to uncertainty about a major, a visit to the Career Center may help. The Career Center has several tests which evaluate students' strengths, weaknesses and interests, and can provide direction in choosing a major. The Career Center also offers a full line of services once your son or daughter is ready to begin looking for an internship or a job. Your student may call for an appointment (x7339).
Student tutors are provided at no additional charge and are available in almost every course. Students should discuss their needs with their instructor, who will assign a tutor if appropriate. Some courses provide tutoring labs once or twice a week throughout the term. Students may attend these labs when they need assistance and utilize the tutors available there.
Academic Advisors are assigned to your student during the registration process. Although advisors may change over the years as your student's needs change, your student will always have an academic advisor who can serve as a resource. If your student is struggling with grades, a visit with the advisor will often put your son or daughter in touch with academic resources which can help.
The Director of First Year Advising oversees the first-year program and coordinates academic advising.
Campus Ministries provides a range of opportunities for student involvement and worship. Individual counseling also is available and students often choose a member of the Campus Ministries staff when seeking guidance about a variety of academic issues.
The Student Counseling Services staff works individually or with faculty and the Reading/Writing Center staff to assist students who are having academic difficulties. Students have found Counseling Services to be an effective academic resource, and can usually make an appointment within a day or two.
The Director of Multicultural Services works with all of our students to provide academic support and referrals as needed. Your student may call (x8274) for an appointment.
The Dean and Associate Dean of Students often coordinate efforts to provide struggling students with appropriate academic resources. If you do not know what direction to take or have tried several of the above resources with minimal results, ask your daughter or son to make an appointment at the Dean of Students Office, 104 Founders Hall, or call (x7533) or (x7502).
